Johnston brings strategic understanding of global sustainability issues
Northstar Clean Technologies has appointed Kellie Johnston as general counsel and chief sustainability officer.
Johnston brings a wealth of experience to Northstar – a Vancouver-based clean technology company focused on the recovery and repurposing of single-use asphalt shingles. She brings with her a strategic understanding and experience of global sustainability issues with deep expertise in leadership, risk identification and mitigation, and strategy implementation.
Prior to joining Northstar, Johnston held the role of vice president, sustainability and general counsel at Certarus Ltd., a North American market leader in providing low carbon energy solutions. Prior to that she was a member of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP's global risk advisory practice where she led the environment, social and governance practice in Canada.
She was also principal with Zoom Strategic Solutions and has held senior ESG-based roles at Total E&P Canada, and Williams Energy ULC.
“Northstar has an incredible opportunity to develop and grow its sustainability agenda to create a more sustainable, circular and inclusive economy,” said Johnston. “I am very excited to continue my lifelong passion and career focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility, helping shape Northstar's commitment to the following key priorities: integrating sustainability objectives, environment, social and governance processes, and ESG disclosure strategies. I look forward to working together with my new colleagues and stakeholders to develop and implement a sustainability strategy that creates sustainable value now and into the future."
As the chief sustainability officer, Johnston will be responsible for the development and execution of Northstar's sustainability strategy and internal and external engagement and reporting. In the near term, this will include exploration of the steps to monetize of Northstar's carbon credit benefits, strategic positioning of Northstar's low carbon footprint asphalt, and leading the effective measurement Northstar's environmental footprint for the Empower Pilot Facility and the new scale up facilities as well as the implementation of sustainable practices in the design and installation of the new scale up facilities.
She will also lead the legal agenda for the company, as general counsel.
"We are delighted to have Kellie join our team at this important time as we gain momentum with our asphalt shingle recovery process,” said Aidan Mills, president & CEO of Northstar. “Her deep experience in leading ESG delivery is exactly what we need as we move the business forward.”
Johnston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia and a Master of Laws degree, specializing in International Law, from the University of New South Wales in Australia. She holds a certificate in Corporate Citizenship Management from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. She is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional.
